Senior Financial Controller - International CRO, Groningen

QPS Holdings; Groningen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

International exposure

Career growth

Work-life balance

Job summary

QPS Netherlands in Groningen is seeking a Financial Controller to lead financial reporting, budgeting, and controls within an international CRO.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will mentor Finance staff, drive process improvements, ensure statutory compliance, and partner with operations and auditors to deliver accurate insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, Business Economics, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive finance experience in financial control, accounting or reporting.
• Fluent in English and Dutch with strong stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and guidance to Finance team members.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes and financial reporting.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and management reports.
• Monitor project costs, revenue recognition, and financial transactions.
• Coordinate annual budgets, forecasts, and financial planning activities.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support management decision-making.
• Support statutory reporting, tax requirements, annual accounts, and external audits.
• Serve as a Finance contact for internal stakeholders, auditors, and corporate Finance.
• Support treasury and cash flow management.
• Strengthen financial processes and internal controls; identify automation opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Financial analysis

Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Economics

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Financial reporting software

Job description

Financial Controller

Location: Groningen, The Netherlands
Hours: 36-40 hours per week

QPS Netherlands, located in Groningen, is part of the global QPS organization, a leading full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO). Together with our colleagues around the world, we support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the development of new medicines that improve lives.

Our Finance team plays a critical role in providing accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and delivering the financial insight that supports sound business decisions. We are looking for an ambitious Financial Controller to join our team and grow with the organization.

The Role

As Financial Controller, you will be a key member of the European Finance team and a trusted business partner to senior management. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will oversee financial reporting, statutory compliance, month-end close, budgeting and forecasting, and financial analysis.

This is a broad, hands-on role that also includes leadership and development of Finance team members. You will work closely with colleagues across Finance, Operations, and the global QPS organization while driving improvements in processes, controls, systems, and reporting.

The role offers an excellent opportunity for a high-potential finance professional to broaden their responsibilities and further develop their leadership capabilities within an international organization.

What You'll Do

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and guidance to Finance team members.

• Lead and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes and financial reporting.

• Prepare and analyze financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and management reports.

• Monitor project costs, revenue recognition, and financial transactions.

• Coordinate annual budgets, forecasts, and financial planning activities.

• Provide financial analysis and insights to support management decision-making.

• Support statutory reporting, tax requirements, annual accounts, and external audits.

• Serve as a key Finance contact for internal stakeholders, auditors, and corporate Finance.

• Support treasury and cash flow management.

• Strengthen financial processes and internal controls and identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.

What We Seek

• Bachelor's degree (HBO) or higher in Finance, Accounting, Business Economics, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of progressive finance experience across financial control, accounting, reporting, or a related area, ideally within an international organization.

• A broad finance background, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, audits, and Dutch financial reporting and statutory requirements.

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or coordinating others, with the ambition to further develop as a people leader.

• Strong stakeholder management and business-level communication skills in both English and Dutch.

• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong analytical skills and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insights.

• A process improvement mindset and strong affinity with ERP systems, technology, automation, and advanced Excel.

• A collaborative, accountable professional who takes ownership, builds strong relationships, and is motivated to grow with the organization.

What We Offer

• A broad and varied role within a growing international CRO.

• The opportunity to combine hands-on finance, business partnering, and people leadership.

• Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and increasing responsibility.

• A collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Competitive salary and excellent primary and secondary employment benefits.

• A healthy work-life balance in a professional and people-focused organization.

Vaccination Protocol

At QPS, we are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace. Our vaccination program, including Hepatitis B, supports that commitment. Participation may be required for some roles and voluntary or encouraged for others. By applying, you acknowledge your understanding of this policy.

Interested?

If you are looking for a role where you can make an impact, develop as a finance leader, and help shape the financial success of an international organization, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your CV and motivation letter. To learn more about QPS, visit www.qps.com.

Apply today and grow your Finance career with QPS!

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